Monday October 13th 2025
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit (SIMLU) has welcomed the guilty pleas of Neil Stewart Forrester (59), who admitted to operating an illegal money lending business across Midlothian between January 2018 and August 2022.
Forrester also pled guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour towards witnesses involved in this case. Mr Forrester remains on bail until a sentencing hearing on the 10th of November 2025. A Proceeds of Crime investigation is ongoing.
The man from Gorebridge, Midlothian, who did not hold the required authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), was found to have issued loans ranging from £20 to £500 to at least 14 individuals, many of whom were colleagues of Mr Forrester at Midlothian Council’s Stobhill Depot. Evidence presented in court revealed that repayments were often collected under duress, with threats of job insecurity and intimidation used to enforce payments.
Mr Forrester, employed as a refuse collector and GMB Union Representative, used his position to target vulnerable workers. Mobile phone data and financial records showed that the couple received over £100,000 in repayments, significantly exceeding the amount originally lent.
A warrant executed jointly by SIMLU and Police Scotland at the couple’s home on 24th August 2022 led to the seizure of multiple electronic devices and over £1,600 in cash, which is now subject to forfeiture proceedings.
Cllr Maureen Chalmers, Chair of the Trading Standards Scotland Governance Board said:
“This case highlights the serious impact of illegal money lending on vulnerable individuals and communities and demonstrates how such activity can happen anywhere including the workplace.
“This case is an example of a sustained and deliberate illegal money lending operation that exploited trust and authority for financial gain. SIMLU remains committed to protecting communities from such predatory practices and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
“SIMLU urges anyone who suspects they may be borrowing from a loan shark to seek help immediately. Loan sharks often appear friendly at first but can quickly trap borrowers in a cycle of debt, using threats and intimidation to enforce repayments. All lending should be done through authorised and regulated channels to ensure consumer protection.”
The team can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via their confidential helpline number on 0800 074 0878.
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